Rocking Rocks
A workshop exploring rocks, the rock cycle and bringing the work of geologists to life through practical activities and virtual reality.
Curriculum Topics: Rocks, Classification, Careers
Years 3-7
What will the workshop cover?
The workshop is aimed at introducing students to observation and investigation of the properties of rocks to understand how they were formed.
Topics covered:
- The rock cycle and how different types of rocks are formed.
- The different categories of rocks and their key features.
- The work of geologists.
- Practical activities and group work looking at identifying different rocks.
- The use of virtual reality headsets to explore rock formations.
The goals for the Rocks workshop are to:
- Introduce the rock cycle and different categories of rocks.
- Give students the opportunity to develop practical skills and work scientifically.
- Allow students to experience how geologists work and how to practically identify rocks and minerals.
Curriculum topics:
- compare and group together different kinds of rocks on the basis of their appearance and simple physical properties
- identify and classify rocks according to whether they have grains or crystals
- learn about the range of jobs carried out by people they know, and to understand how they can develop skills to make their own contribution in the future.
